Be Wise in the Way You Act

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6 

God calls us to be wise, just as Solomon was.

Asking the Lord to give us wisdom in the way we act.

Especially toward outsiders.

Making the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel.

Letting our conversation be full of grace.

Not strident or off-putting.

Well seasoned and thoughtful.

Listening to God so we are able to answer everyone who asks.

And so they will hear.

Let Your Conversation Be Full of Grace

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. — Colossians 4:5-6 

I think God put us in families just to practice His commands in extremely difficult situations.

It's much harder for me to be full of grace with my family than with my coworkers and friends.

I'm much more patient and kind to acquaintances.

And I don't lose patience as easily with friends.

So the family becomes a good proving ground to let me know how well I'm following God's Word.

Usually I miss the mark by a long shot.

I pray that God will give me wisdom so that my actions toward others please Him.

So my conversation is full of grace.

And so I know how to answer everyone, even those I don't agree with.

Love Mercy

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8

Yesterday the pastor of Maranatha Chapel here in San Diego passed away.

He was 64, the father of two and grandfather of several, leaving behind his wife.

He got sick on December 23 and passed away on January 4.

My coworker goes to his church.

Tonight they held a prayer vigil for the family and congregation.

We grieve for his family and congregation.

But we rejoice that he is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus.

I said that to my coworker in the card I left him this morning.

God has us working together for His purpose and for His glory.

Our prayers go out to those who are hurting.

Be Wise in the Way You Act

 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

It's easy to slip into grumbling and complaining.

Especially when those around me are doing the same.

But God call us to be wise.

Even in the way we act and speak.

Especially when we are with outsiders.

God commands us to make the most of every opportunity.

He asks us to let Him guide our ways.

The Way You Act

  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Today I interviewed a candidate for our writer job opening.

We were all very impressed.

She and I hit it off, and we both think we would enjoy working together.

I called her to make an offer, and she was very excited.

We'll see if she will accept the offer next week.

If so, she will be available to start in May, as long as her background check goes through.

It will be one of our quickest hires ever for this company.

I am praying for God's will to be done.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Today I will meet some friends for a walk down to the old mission dam on Mission Trails.

Then I'll head over to La Jolla to swim.

Hopefully the pool has the heater working again.

Last week when Abby swam, it was really cold. 

Several people left the pool.

She was the only one who stayed to swim the whole time.

I'm hoping tomorrow will be warmer.

Last night we met a visitor to our worship service.

Sarah joined us for the first time and enjoyed the worship in the courtyard.

She had a 9- and 5-year-old. 

Hopefully she will join us for our zoom Bible study on Friday morning.

 

Be Wise

 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

I am not always wise in the way I act toward others.

God reminds me to act wisely toward everyone.

He commands me to make the most of every opportunity.

Yesterday I interviewed a candidate for our writer position.

We have been looking for someone to fill this opening since June.

It is hard to have the patience to wait for the person God has in mind for this position.

Even so, I know He will guide us to the right person.

I will make the most of every opportunity, with His guidance.

Be Wise in the Way You Act

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Friday night we had another hymn sing at our church.

It was held outside in our church courtyard.

The weather was perfect and the acoustics were great.

The orchestra played beautifully.

Tzytle and her mom led the singing.

There was a good crowd of people - we were socially distanced and wearing masks.

And they took our temperatures before we entered.

God asks us to be wise in the way we act.

Especially toward outsiders.

He calls us to make the most of every opportunity.

 

God Works in You

 It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. — Philippians 2:13

Today is Cameron's birthday.

We are celebrating his 24 years on the earth. 

Soon to be 25.

God works in him to fulfill His good purpose.

And God knows the plans He has for Cam.

Plans to prosper him and not to harm him. 

Plans to give him hope and a future.

Praying for You

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. — 2 Thessalonians 1:11

In Scripture, Paul reminds me to pray continually.

I ask God to help me do that more and more.

I also try to pray regularly for my friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, and people I encounter during the day.

Our pastor Jerry needs healing. So do many others.

My coworkers need encouragement.

The Rogers family needs comfort in the loss of Gary.

And when we remember our times with him, we think of Rita, too.

My sister-in-law Miki needs comfort and healing in the loss of her mom and dad.

My friend Dave lost his dad this year.

So did the Pulliam and McSwain families and many others.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and answering them.

Give us wisdom, fill us with your power that you may fulfill every good purpose of yours through us.

In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.